7 Signs Trauma is Getting in the Way
It looks like this: you drive the long way to avoid the town you grew up in. You wake up regularly with the same nightmare or night terror. Your reaction is much more heightened in a situation that does not deserve that level of emotion. You avoid getting close to people in romantic relationships and prefer casual relationships.
Trauma can have a significant impact on an individual's emotional and mental well-being and can get in the way of leading a happy and fulfilling life.
Here are some signs that trauma may be getting in the way of happiness:
Re-experiencing the trauma: Trauma survivors may have difficulty forgetting about the traumatic event and may experience intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and nightmares.
Avoiding reminders of the trauma: Trauma survivors may avoid people, places, and activities that remind them of the traumatic event.
Negative changes in mood and cognition: Trauma can lead to negative changes in mood such as depression, anxiety, and irritability. It can also affect cognitive processes, such as memory and concentration.
Physical symptoms: Trauma can also manifest in physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and chronic pain.
Difficulty with relationships: Trauma can affect the ability to trust others and form healthy relationships. Trauma survivors may have difficulty with intimacy and may push others away.
Self-destructive behavior: Trauma can also lead to self-destructive behaviors such as substance abuse, risky behavior, and self-harm.
Difficulty finding pleasure in life: Trauma can make it difficult to enjoy activities that were once enjoyable, and can lead to a feeling of emotional numbness.
It's important to note that not everyone who has experienced a traumatic event will experience all of these symptoms and that the severity and duration of symptoms can vary. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be helpful to seek the help of a mental health professional who can help you process the trauma and develop coping strategies. Remember that healing from trauma is possible with the right support and resources.